All language subtitles for Homecoming The Tokyo Series-En

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Male: The players that have
gone to America,

they went to the MLB and
left an impressive record.

These records leave
a kind of footprint

and an impact on the
players that will follow them.

Announcer: We welcome you
to the 2025 Tokyo Series.

It is a beautiful celebration
of the culture of Japan and of

Major League Baseball
intertwined together.

Meghan: This very much
felt like it was for

Japanese baseball
fans, for the country.

Announcer: If anybody knows
about going to great lengths

to realize a dream, it's the
five Japanese-born players

who will play in a major
league game in front of

their nation's fans
for the first time.

Meghan: You're going to have
more kids trying to emulate

these Japanese players.

Announcer: Shota Imanaga, Seiya
Suzuki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto,

Roki Sasaki, and of
course, Shohei Ohtani.

They are returning
to the Tokyo Dome.

It's a significant moment
in their baseball journeys.

Getting set to go for the
reigning World Series champion

Los Angeles Dodgers
against the Chicago Cubs,

2025 Major League Baseball
season about to get underway.

Yasuko: Baseball really is...

You need to have a proper heart.

If you don't have that then...

You can't pitch, bat, or
stand your base, I believe.

Back when this area was built,
there were about 10 kids

and they'd always play
ball around here.

And we had five children.

My husband and I both
had baseball experience

and wanted to play again, so we
gathered those 10 kids.

We asked them, 'Why don't you
start playing baseball with us?'

Baseball really is...

It really begins
and ends with a bow.

It's very correct with
its rules, very formal.

It's a game that is very
hard to teach to children.

Use your toes, not
your heels, your toes.

Try putting your hand on it when
you're making that connection.

Both hands, both hands,
both hands, both hands.

When you catch, step forward.

Catch with both hands.

Get it with both hands
and move forward.

Things like the
language they use.

I teach them that they
need to be polite, greet people properly.

I tell them they need to
grow up in a way

that doesn't bring shame to
those people that raised them.

It should never be about
self-centered desires or egos,

I want this team to be...

A place where we truly raise

the next generation of
children in the right way.

You have to grab it
as soon as you catch it.

My son, Toru, joined my team

and he played through his middle
and high school years.

Later on, he'd come to help
us and coach the kids.

He saw my teaching technique
and then naturally,

he just ended up becoming
the coach of this team.

Of course we're mother and child
but when we step onto the field

we're co-coaches,
teaching baseball.

Toru: Baseball is a team
sport where everyone must support one another.

Everyone works together
to help one another.

Of course, there's the batters
box where everyone gets a chance

to play the lead
role for a moment.

And then there are times
where you must play the supporting role.

But in order for the team
to win, everyone needs to be playing their part.

And think carefully
about what that part is.

When we were little, Major
League Baseball was a world that was so amazing to us.

In this island that is
Japan, if we crossed the sea there was this...

Stage that felt like a
dream, with absolute superstars.

They were playing baseball on
a level that Japanese people couldn't even comprehend.

Announcer: You can
hear the fans.

Ichiro, Ichiro.

Toru: But from then,
more and more Japanese players went to the MLB.

Announcer: For eight innings,
Hideo Nomo has not allowed--

Toru: It makes me so happy
seeing them make it.

Announcer: A grand slam
for Hideki Matsui!

Toru: So I'm so grateful to
those Japanese players that gave these kids these dreams.

Host: Good morning, everybody.

We appreciate the hard work and
hospitality of so many who have

made the Tokyo Series a reality.

Guys, thank you so
much for being here.

Welcome home.

It's great to have you here.

We appreciate your time.

We will begin with
questions in Japanese,

and we will take
questions in English

following the
questions in Japanese.

Interviewer: First, I would like
to start with Shohei Ohtani.

Welcome back to Japan.

The season opener will be
held in his home of Japan.

How are you feeling now?

Shohei: First of all, I would
like to make this series a good one,

and I would be
happy if many people

could see the activities
of many Japanese people,

including the other two here,

as well as the Cubs.

Interviewer: Now that the
four games will begin tomorrow,

please tell us
how you are feeling.

Shota: I feel the
excitement of Japan,

but I also have a sense of
responsibility and pressure.

Seiya: You know, I used to watch
Major League Baseball games

at the Tokyo Dome
when I was a kid.

So I would be very happy if
I could make

as much of a positive
impact as possible.

Yoshinobu: I have not
played yet, so I don't know what to expect,

but I have always wanted
to play on this stage,

so I will try to play in my
own way first,

and although I am sure
I will be nervous and anxious,

I hope to be
able to play well.

Interviewer: Obviously,
the series has five

Japanese-born players, and there
are more players throughout

Major League Baseball.

Does this feel like
a golden generation

for Japanese baseball?

Seiya: I think we are here today

because of what our seniors
have done for us,

so we want to do our best

here again and dream that many
more Japanese athletes

will be able to play in the U.S.

I hope that this will
not be the golden age for us

and that we will have a
brighter future ahead of us.

Jason: I moved to Japan in 2007.

It's a lot different than
being in the States.

When I came here, I did
not speak Japanese,

so I could only talk to
the foreign players.

And you miss a lot of the story
because there may be three or

four foreign players
on the team,

and they may not have
done anything that day.

So, instead of getting
the news directly,

you're filtering it through
someone else's experience and

someone else's point of view.

So, that was the biggest
adjustment, I think,

was just the language.

And then figuring out how
things work in Japan as far as

covering baseball.

Japan is very focused
on the fundamentals.

Author Robert Whiting said,
"Japanese basically turn

baseball into a martial art. ”

And, you know, in a way, he's
correct because the discipline

and the structure.

But there is a misconception
that Japan is this completely

rigid society.

And it's not entirely true
because a lot of the players,

they have fun.

They do things
outside of the box.

So, it's not entirely true, but
there is a reflection of that

corporate mentality
of nine to five of,

"This is what we have to do.

We're going to do it this
way, ” reflected in the game.

And I think maybe in the US,
there's a little bit more,

I guess, freedom in a way.

Participant: Japan doesn't
usually have an MLB opening series like this

so I'm thrilled
to be able to participate.

Participant: For me, it's the
Cubs player Crow-Armstrong

whom I'm most interested in.

Participant: I'm from
Touhoku and I played in the same Little League.

So for me, I'm most interested
in watching Ohtani play

I hope we get to see him
shine, not only in batting but also in pitching.

Justin: You know, just seeing
the way of life, I think,

is one of the coolest
things when you're

visiting a different country.

Jason: What are you hoping
that your teammates can see

get out of this trip
as someone who--

you've been here before?

Colin: Yeah, I think they've
already been walking out and

about and tried to experience
as much as they can.

I know I've heard of some guys
going to some good sushi places.

Jason: Baseball gave Japan
an outlet to succeed

on the world stage.

Especially at a time where it's
like American exceptionalism,

except here's this Japanese
guy breaking the hits record.

Here's Shohei Ohtani
just absolutely

obliterating everything.

You know what Japanese
fandom is like,

so when you see like the
attention that Shohei Ohtani is

getting here, just what do you
think about the pressure that,

not the pressure, but the
spotlight that's on Ohtani and

your two teammates as well?

Justin: Yeah, I can't imagine.

That's gotta be a lot.

I don't know how they handle it.

I think they're definitely more
used to it, but, you know,

they do such a good
job of handling it.

Way better than I
would do, I think.

Jason: I'm not sure players in
the past who grew up thought

that MLB was something
that they could achieve.

I think there was just this...

this mindset of, "This
is Japan, this is MLB,

and MLB is a different level. ”

Meghan: This Tokyo series is a
way to showcase what baseball

means in Japan, both on a
cultural level, a fandom level,

and just the enthusiasm
for the sport.

So, I was sent all this
way to document the games.

And so, I think there's some
internal pressure of like,

I really want to make sure I'm
conveying this like I feel like

I should and finding that
right balance of like,

this is a really cool,
special atmosphere versus not

overthinking what you're writing
and spending too much time

dwelling on it 'cause that
can work against you too.

So, it was definitely a
very unique experience.

I knew in high school I wanted
to go into the journalism world.

I always loved sports.

I grew up playing
sports, loved baseball.

I grew up a Cubs fan.

Both my parents were Cubs fans.

So, getting to cover the team,
the one that you grew up

cheering for, rooting for, for
me was always the dream job.

It was just really interesting
how much more visible

the Tokyo Series is being
advertised in Tokyo.

It feels like the country
is embracing the games.

It feels like Major League
Baseball and the teams are very

intentional of how they want to
do things and really try and

connect with fans.

These are marquee games for
Japanese baseball fans,

and it really feels like
they are the priority.

Hironobou: The fact that
Japanese players have reached these heights is amazing.

I'm very grateful to the MLB.

To have these opening games
here in Japan, I'm so grateful.

A lot more people will be able
to experience the MLB in person.

I think it's great that
something so special

will be experienced
by more people.

Within this city called Oshu

the superstar known as
Shohei Ohtani was born.

Since I was a kid,
I've loved baseball

but along the way,
I fell in love with music.

All the musicians I
followed, they were all known for their hair.

So, I began to get
interested in hair styling.

That's how I began my path
in the 'beauty' business.

I wanted to be the
best in Japan.

When I was younger, I would
compete in hair competitions.

I wasn't very good at the start,

but as I did more, I got
better and won awards.

And began studying like
my life depended on it.

I wanted to open a salon
of the highest level.

With that belief, I opened
'Seems Hair & Salon' 13 years ago.

As a big fan of Ohtani,

the first thing I got was a
signed ball I received

when Ohtani joined Nippon Ham.

I'd see it and think, 'Ohtani
is doing his best today so I've got to as well.'

So I left it here at the Salon.

It was well
received by my customers

so I thought, 'I better get
a uniform as well.'

As Ohtani's star kept
rising, more and more goods were released.

So, it became a mini
exhibition of sorts.

I'd collect these good,

these results of how hard Ohtani
was working towards his goal.

He was a high school
athlete that the country had its eyes on.

I would travel to watch his
matches and support him.

During that time he also
pitched a 160km fast ball,

which was the fastest a high
schooler had ever thrown.

Then from there, he
suddenly said he wanted to make it in the MLB.

So, for me that was
incredibly exciting.

That really made me become a
fan, I knew I had to support him

on this journey that hadn't
been done before.

For me as a hair stylist,

aiming for the top had
been incredibly challenging.

Of course as salon
workers, we're most known for our haircuts.

Ohtani, whenever he's
in the batters box,

he measures the distance between
the batters box and home base

and positions
himself accordingly.

For us when we're cutting hair,

our position and our form
is incredibly important.

While we're standing
at a 45-degree angle from our customers...

With our elbows flared like this
and using our left hand as a guide, we cut hair.

If there's something
wrong with our form,

If I'm not feeling my best,

I can tell straight away from
my form, if something was off...

I take a step back and
go over looking at my stance and form again.

Then it's a lot easier to
evaluate where I'm going wrong.

Even as Ohtani's number one fan,
I still have a long way to go.

I'm twice as old as Ohtani...

But I still want to
continue to grow.

I want this shop to
grow along with Ohtani.

That feeling won't change.

Tomohiro:
When I was about 8 or 9,

I got my very first baseball
glove from my parents.

This was for little league,

so after about 1 or 2 years,

you would grow out of it and
need to replace it with another.

But once you reach
middle school, your hand doesn't get much bigger.

So, you can use the same
glove forever after that.

I think it's all about
memories and attachments you have to the glove.

Glove are made
using cow leather.

The more you use it, the
longer you will get out of it.

If it rips, you can
get it repaired.

For players,

I felt this is where the love
and memories for the glove, begin to happen.

I gave this shop the name
'Rebirth'

as I wanted to essentially bring
these gloves back to life.

Oki-san, got a sec?

This first baseman's mitt.
Oki: Yes.

Tomohiro: A father used
about 25 years ago...

Back when he was playing
school baseball.

Now that his son has started
playing hardball in junior high,

He's getting it completely
remade as a gift.

It's a really special
first baseman's mitt.

We're doing a full remake, so
let's start with the palm liner.

Yeah, the palm liner
is already cracked.

I think we definitely
need to replace it.

And the finger loop too...

Yeah that's quite worn out too.

It should definitely
be replaced as well.

We'll do our best.

Thank you very much!

Please take care of it.

By remaking these gloves you've
had for 30 or 40 years...

You can use it yourself.

Or you can pass it
on to your son.

Or it could be inherited
by a player you're not related to at all.

So, the glove it...

It can live its second
or third life.

Firstly, each glove has about
30-40 small parts to it.

We take each piece apart and
remake it, part by part.

Even though we remake it,
it isn't a brand new glove,

it's a glove with character
and one that's been used.

So, each glove has
its own shape.

But it's not just
about the gloves.

Every player, their
family, their team...

I believe we're helping to
create memories for them.

Gloves are hmm...
how should I put it?

They are a player's
prized possession.

So, that process of giving
this prized possession

those memories that make it so.

We're a part of the journey

in making these memories
happen, I feel.

Customer: This one's
a custom order.

So, I'm not quite sure what
the original color was.

It was given to me, so
I think it was green.

I think the lace color
was matched to this and the embroidery.

Could you bring me one?

It's a slightly darker green--
This kind of green.

Ah, no worries at all,
that's totally fine.

Are you still playing
rubber-ball baseball?

Yes, rubber-ball.

But you'll be switching to
hardball in high school?

Ah, I see.

Not mixed with the boys,
girls' hardball?

Girls' team, yes.

Kind of, but at first she
couldn't stay home alone,

so I brought her to the
field and before I knew it, she started playing.

There was never really
a stopping point, she just kept at it.

That's nice.

How does it feel?

Feels good.

What do you think?

I like red.

You like red?

Yeah.

Here at Rebirth, we get a
lot of children visiting.

So these players
starting from...

Elementary, middle, high school,
college and then even as adults.

We want to support
their baseball journey through all stages.

By doing that...

I think that the
future of baseball in Japan is very bright.

Tameo: Since starting
this job,

baseball has become
a facet of my life.

So if you asked me whether
or not I enjoy watching baseball for entertainment,

I would say I don't.

How are the players
holding their bat

and things like that, I end
up looking at too closely.

I end up observing
baseball in that way.

But actually initially, I
was in the Golf manufacturing division.

Then after about
7 years there...

The predecessor, the one
making bats before me.

He ended up resigning so...

So, when they were looking
for a replacement, I applied.

And I was selected out
of 5 people for the job.

So that was what was the
beginning of doing this job.

Well, you see, with
Mizuno as a company,

we were a company that
started by making tools.

Usually sports makers
have shoes and clothes

and that's their
lead into the market.

But with Mizuno, it really
was a baseball tool maker from the get-go.

The legacy of them as baseball
goods-makers is very...

is quite a long and
rich one I believe.

Yes, for the players
using our bats,

we always keep in mind whilst
making them

that we want the players to
be able to bat to the best of their ability.

Yes, well...

A bat is a tool to be used,
now for the players...

With that bat, each hit
they make is connected.

Each hit is connected to their
salary, their livelihood.

It's their own.

Looking at it from a very
Japanese perspective,

one would say...

It's one of your own limbs

There's a lot of
players that definitely view it in that fashion.

So I think that there's a lot
of players

that treat their bats with
a great deal of respect.

I think that the spirit of
challenge

is what makes Japanese players

see how far they can go.

Really, how far can one go?

That challenge...

is what really drives
the players we see

at the moment I believe.

I would like us to emulate
that spirit of challenge when making bats.

When I watch American baseball,

I think it is
more like entertainment.

When I watch Japanese baseball,

I think that baseball is
played while enjoying the game

and having fun together
with the players.

Announcer: Japan is a
baseball-obsessed nation,

and it is absolutely buzzing
ahead of the Tokyo series for

the Dodgers and Cubs, but before
that, a couple exhibition games.

Announcer: Now, please welcome
to the field the team for

today's exhibition game.

The Cubs are led
by Shota Imanaga.

Welcome back to Japan!

Announcer: World Series
Champion, Shohei Otani,

back in his home country.

Jason: The game of
baseball lends itself

to Japanese culture.

You have all these individual
people all working

in concert together.

They all have their role
to play in the game.

Announcer: Right center
field, splits the gap.

Jason: They do their job
so that the next person

can do their job.

The leadoff man hits a single
so that the next person

can bunt, so that the
next person can then try

to drive that runner in.

Announcer: 2-2 pitch from Snell.

Uh-oh.

Going high, fly ball
deep right field.

Jason: So, that second
guy sacrificed himself

for the greater good.

Announcer: Sends the
Tokyo Dome into a frenzy.

Japanese fans,
there's always noise.

It's always loud.

They're always cheering.

I think the main difference
is in MLB games,

there's no noise
between at bats.

Japan is just constant noise and
constant something going on.

The cheering, that's
just part of the culture

that they've been in.

It's very organized.

Each player has a cheer.

And then, when there's a
runner on second base,

there's a cheer for that.

And when the bases are loaded
or there's a good chance to

score, there's a cheer for that.

It's just the culture
of Japanese baseball.

It's one thing that I know a lot
of people come to Japan when

they watch baseball games.

This is what they want to see.

They want to experience the way
the fans cheer and the way the

stadium gets into it.

I know especially the Hanshin
Tigers fans are very loud and

very famous for being
a very, shall we say,

enthusiastic fan base.

Meghan: The exhibition
games are really fun.

I remember having talked to
players who had played in Japan

how crazy fans could be at
the Nippon professional

baseball games.

And so, knowing that they're
going to be playing two

exhibition games, probably what
I'm most looking forward to.

It feels like there is more
small ball elements that the

Japanese teams are
willing to tap into.

Seeing the slow base of
times, hit and runs.

As someone who grew up in
the 90s watching baseball,

like threw me back to that era
where it felt like it was a

complete team, where the lineup
was constructed to build off of

each other and those
small ball elements.

Getting to experience
the uniqueness,

that element to those games
with the cheering and chanting

is so cool.

Jim: How's it going?

Jason: Good, just getting
ready for the series.

Jim: I know.

Jason: I met Jim at my
very first baseball game.

Jim, in the 90s, started a
Japanese baseball newsletter.

So, he's been doing it for a
very, very, very long time.

He blogs about what he
thinks about the game,

which he does that with a lot of
experience, having seen Japan,

having seen Japanese
baseball, having lived here

for over 40 years.

When the Red Sox came, it
wasn't as big as this one is.

Jim: It wasn't.

It was big.

Jason: This one just
feels, like, otherworldly.

Jim: Well, there's never been--

There's always been
one or two players.

Jason: The whole series about
Ohtani though, basically.

Jim: You know, it's
like, how much bigger

can Shohei Ohtani get?

Jason: Well, you ask that,
but then he gets even bigger.

Jim: Well, you were at the
Japan Press Club, right?

When you said,
"What's your goal? ”

And he says, "I want to be
able to walk down the street,

and people will say, 'There
goes the best baseball player,

the world's best."'

And the irony is you can't do it

because he can't walk
down the street.

Jason: Yeah.

Jim: You know, it's funny
because I see so many of the

players now, young players.

I really think there's going to
be this huge boom of Japanese

amateurs going to MLB in
the next five, six years.

Announcer: Ladies and
gentlemen, boys and girls,

welcome to Japan.

First and foremost,

I'm really happy that everyone
is here safe and sound.

And I hope you all
cherish your time with your loved ones in Japan.

Thank you, have fun!

Set, go.

Wonderful!

Justin: We get to honor our
teammates by coming to their own

country and people
that mean a lot to us.

They're proud and they're
joyful that they get to share

this with us.

Kizuna, which is like a
Japanese word for bond,

that started for our team with
a great party and being able

to be together.

This is the start of a
journey for our team.

Female Announcer: Hello
to the sixth graders of Kyodo Elementary School.

While excitement over the
MLB Opening Series is spreading throughout Japan,

right here in this gymnasium.

Cubs alumni and Clark will soon
enter from the back entrance.

Let's all give them a warm round
of applause as they enter!

Now I'd like to introduce
our guests that have joined us here today.

First, we have Kosuke
Fukudome, a Chicago Cubs alum.

Fukudome is a Major Leaguer
from Japan,

who made a name for himself
with the Chicago Cubs.

Next, we have special
guest, Mr. Derrek Lee.

Derrek was selected for the MLB
All-Star Game

and won the batting title.
His skills are top notch.

Student: Umm...

Um, are there any differences

between baseball

in Japan and America?

Are there things that
are the same and things that are different?

Kosuke: Well, as you can
probably tell just by looking here,

Derrick Lee is really tall,
right?

Right? He's big, right?

So, Japanese players like me
tend to be smaller.

I■m considered tall
for a Japanese person,

but even then,
I■m still small in comparison.

Since I played old-school
Japanese baseball,

we ran every day, hit balls
every day, like,

like, 1,000 or even
2,000 swings a day.

We just did tons of reps.

Training methods are quite
different between Japanese and American players.

Meghan: Kosuke Fukudome and
Derrick Lee are at a school

outside of Tokyo to
talk to students there.

Derrick Lee had spent
time in Japan as a kid.

His dad had played in Japan, so
he got to have some exposure to

the country, to the culture, to
the school system while he was

there when he was younger.

Seeing how excited those kids
were to meet Derek Lee or

Fukudome, that definitely
could have an impact.

Student: How do you even find
a dream in the first place?

Derrek: Good questions.

Are you guys 12 really?

Meghan: Those are meaningful
connections that are a clear

pathway to creating fandom
connections with young fans that

obviously then evolve over time.

Student: What's important
in order to make your dreams come true?

Kosuke: Something you
love, something you really enjoy doing.

Because when you love
something, you can keep doing it for a long time.

It's hard to stick with
something you don't like.

But your dream is usually
tied to something you do like.

Meghan: Getting that up close
look of major league players and

then specifically showing the
example of this can be a dream

for you if you want it to be.

You can come and play in
Major League Baseball,

and there is a path to
making that happen.

For me, Fukudome was the main
Japanese player that I was

really exposed to
on a regular basis,

having grown up a Cubs fan.

Interviewer: The Cubs have put
a lot of time and effort into

figuring out how to best
help Japanese players

transition over.

Just talking with some
of the current players,

how have things changed
from when you had to

make that transition?

I think more and more people
are starting to understand now.

It■s becoming a much
easier environment to try new challenges.

Meghan: That exposure for Cubs
fans, when then you're signing,

say, Suzuki and Shota Imanaga,
you're having one generation

that's already had a
fan-favorite Japanese player,

and now you have
another generation.

Interviewer: Thank you so much.

Translator: Then have fun and
enjoy going around Japan.

Interviewer: Oh,
yeah, thank you.

Meghan: I think it's a really
neat way where the past gets

connected to where
baseball is going.

And clearly, that's trying to
continue to push to be a more

global sport.

Kanato: When I
joined Little Wolf,

I didn't even know if I'd
make it on the field.

But I joined and I think I've
made a lot of improvements.

I practice with the feeling
that I'm definitely going to win nationals.

Then make it to the
Major Leagues and surpass Shohei Ohtani.

Shogo: I began playing
baseball in my second year of elementary school,

in the area that I lived,
with the local team.

Then when Kanato was born...

He was in the same team, at the
same ground that had raised me.

So having my son do the
same, at the same ground.

I almost think it's
a miracle at times.

Kanato: Players like Ohtani...

They've been working hard
since they were small.

I want to surpass even
them as a player.

So, I want to keep
giving it my all.

I'm excited to watch
the Tokyo Series.

Watching the movements
of the shortstop...

their defensive position, the
pitchers release position

and I want to observe the timing
of the batter's movements.

I could see them trying even
harder

than I can imagine and
I think it's cool.

My Dad...

He's passionate about baseball.

He always does a lot of
research to help me.

So, I want to show him results.

Shogo: You feeling good today?
Kanato: Yeah.

Shogo: With batting?
Kanato: Yeah.

Shogo: And throwing?
Kanato: Same with throwing.

I've got this.

Shogo: If you're up
first, get a home run.

You just need to time it
right, get a strong swing in.

Count 1-2-3, get
ready on the 2...

Wait...

and on 3...

Swing with everything
you've got.

If you get to the
National team, you know,

you might end up getting
to play with Ohtani.

You'd kill it together.

Kanato: If it's not in my
first year, Ohtani will have probably retired.

Shogo: At what age?
Kanato: He'll be like 38, right?

Shogo: Nah, he'll
still be at it.

Kanato: You think so?
Shogo: Without a doubt.

I don't know what it was like
when Babe Ruth was active.

I could only read
about him in books.

It's a miracle that Ohtani is
alive at a time when you're an active player.

You understand?

Coach: Make sure to greet the
umpire properly before the first pitch.

Do the basics properly and take
care of each and every play.

Then just go ahead
and go for it.

Shogo: When watching
Kanato play baseball,

I'm amazed by his effort.

And of course seeing Kanato
persevere

gives me great pride.

He wants to achieve his goal
of becoming a pro player.

So, I want him to aim
high and keep going.

Tamio: These trees were cut
down due to the human ego.

And if they're just being
cut down to make a bat,

then we need to
do our work in a way

that isn't disrespectful to the
tree that was cut down.

We're going to shave
a piece of white ash.

Yoshida: Okay.

Tamio: First, Yoshida-kun, look
through and see which might be a good fit.

Yoshida: Okay.

Tamio: Try sorting by
head and grip shape...

Pick one to start with.

Yoshida: Okay.

It's slightly too low.

Tamio: Yes making something
good for the players is the most important.

Other than that...

It's about training the
next generation.

There's a big importance to
be placed on that.

Of course making good products
is common sense.

Yoshida: First we center
it, right?

Tamio: Yeah, but before
centering,

we have to decide which side is
the grip and which is head.

Yoshida: Right.

Tamio: So for this one, decide
which to make the grip and which the head.

Take a good look at that.

Yoshida: Okay.

For this one...

I think this side will
be the head.

Tamio: This side?
Yoshida: Yeah.

Tamio: Yes.
Then I'll shave it off.

But it's also about making sure
there are people that can make those good products.

Which is what I think
my role is becoming

When I first took on this
job, there was Kubota-san.

He was my master,
watching over me.

You could say he taught me

but it was more that he
would say 'steal from me

and use that to
hone your craft.'

That was his stance.

So more than teaching every
minute detail from the first step...

It was more about watching
Kubota's

gestures and his actions.

Also check if the
grip's dimensions

and thickness meet the standard.

Yoshida: Okay.

Tamio: After that, we prepare
for the next step.

The materials used to make bats
are changing.

We're at the point where
there's a lot of changes happening right now.

So, thinking about
it that way...

I think of them as
positive changes.

I think children can
truly enjoy baseball

by creating the world,
or rather, the structure of society.

It's a way for
baseball to develop more.

We usually just make
them, not hit them.

Right? Not often.

But it feels great to
actually hit like this.

Ah, yes, that happens too.

It's not just swinging-

I think, "What if I
changed this? Would it be easier to swing? ”

Thinking like that really helps
the next time I make one.

"What should I tweak
to get this feel? ”

That kind of thing.

Keeping the process of making
these bats

sincere and proper.

I think that's a philosophy

that we need to instill in the
younger folk now as well.

I'd like to try my best
to help make that a reality for the children.

Tomohiro: When I began working
in baseball goods,

I was able to form bonds with
the makers and craftsmen.

Of course now,

they became my friends
and joined Rebirth.

You should practice once.

It's a little hard to hit,
isn't it? Male: Just a little.

I can't see it.
It's hard to see.

Female: Good pitcher.

I can't swing the bat.

My dream is to be on the
variety show Real Yakyu-Ban.

I can't hit it.

I can't hit the right side.

I may be able to
just make contact.

Wow, that's amazing.

That was a good ball.

My hands are going to be wrecked
if I play this every day.

Tomohiro: We have our
glove-masters, those that remake the gloves.

Our platinum level
glove-master is Oki.

As he is a platinum level,

he is able to handle every stage
of a glove repair by himself.

And of course teaching,

he is able to instruct those
with no experience whatsoever.

We made a sort of
education system

where each new staff members'
skills are cultivated.

This one seems a little
small, doesn't it?

If you're a third baseman
like Abe, you can do it.

Yes.

It's a little deep, though.

A difficult customer inquiry.

Oki: Well, I don't
think it's impossible.

It's a little small for a third
baseman, but I think it's fine.

All around Japan, craftsman,
those that repair...

Everybody is getting older.

As we are the next generation...

we inherit those skills
and put them to use.

It would be a great loss if
these skills

that are only here in Japan
would disappear.

We need to pass these skills
onto the next generation.

We need to preserve that.

Female: This is broken.

Customer: I would appreciate it
if you could fix that as well.

Female: Should we leave
this as it is and reinforce it here?

Customer: Yes.

Tomohiro: To make a glove...

it takes tens of years
of experience and practice to get there.

For that glove to then
be used for only 3 years

or 1 to 2 years...

I think that's a complete shame.

I want to keep them alive

so that the next generation
can inherit them.

And from that perhaps something
even better can be born.

I was so excited that the
Dodger and the Cubs

were actually coming here.

Around us, our crew
and customers

were also incredibly excited
about the news.

Welcome. Hello.

We■ve been waiting for you.
Please come in.

Customer: I'm here to pick up
the glove that was repaired.

Tomohiro: We've been
waiting for you.

Here you go. Yes.

We have completely
remade the glove.

We replaced the leather
inside with new blue leather

and the original
sheepskin is also black.

Take a look.

Customer: The colors are
amazingly beautiful.

This line is great.

It's like a new glove, so
it feels kind of fresh.

The blue color here
is also amazing.

How is your son doing?

It■s nostalgic, I guess.

Customer: Thirty years ago,
it looked just like this.

It's touching and
wonderful that it will be passed down to my son.

I hope this will
help you do well.

Well, let's give it a try.

Customer: Yes.

Tomohiro: Thank you very much.

We look forward to
seeing you again.

There's something
more to baseball...

It's about a sort of closeness.

For example, even those with
no baseball experience...

I've seen people like that at
the center,

laughing and having fun
with their friends.

Playing catch together, or
just playing with the ball.

I see that sort of thing
a lot, how can I put it?

It's not like a baseball match,
it's something more intimate...

a form of play.

That gives birth to a new
kind of way of communicating.

That's what I think it is.

To me, baseball is something

that has allowed me to
make new friends.

Interviewer: What do you expect
to experience tomorrow?

Can anything prepare you
for a game like this?

Justin: For me, I just try to
treat it like another game.

You know, it's our job to go
out there and fulfill those

expectations, and especially
doing it against the World

Champs Dodgers.

Jim: Well, let me ask you, what
is it about Japanese baseball

that either puzzled,
or intrigued you,

or made you fall
in love with it?

Fan: You've heard of
it, you hear of it.

I had a lot of friends
that came over here,

and I didn't really understand
how good they were.

You know, when you leave
the Major Leagues,

Major Leagues is the
top place to play.

You come on the other side of
the world and they appreciate

you, they appreciate
what you did over there,

but I appreciate how
they approach the game.

Miguel: We all understand the
tradition and the history

in Tokyo Dome.

I'll take it all in because it's
a one in a life experience.

Dave: Emotions.

Anticipation.

Open day is finally here.

Excitement.

I think the last
handful of days,

you could see how
excited the fans were,

the people in Tokyo were.

Our players are
ready to get going.

Announcer: Cubs taking
on the Dodgers.

It's game one of 162.

Announcer: This is one of those
special days that everybody's

gonna say they had a
ticket to in Japan, right?

Announcer: All of Japan will
say they were at this game.

This is their homecoming.

We have flashing
lights in the seats.

This is the toughest
ticket in the Tokyo Dome

in quite some time.

Announcer: At this time, we ask
that you please rise if you're

able and kindly
remove your caps.

Jason: Japan has taken
baseball from the US,

and recreated it
in its own image,

and molded it to be Japanese.

Announcer: Cubs, Dodgers.

Shota Imanaga versus
Shohei Ohtani.

2025 Major League Baseball
season, about to get underway.

Announcer: Ohtani has the
first Dodgers hit of the year,

and it comes in front
of an adoring nation.

Announcer: An emotional day
for Seiya Suzuki from Arakawa.

21 minute drive from
the Tokyo Dome.

Announcer: Derrek Lee joins us.

Derrek: Think about Seiya,
and Shota, and Shohei.

It's got to be a really cool
feeling for those guys to get to

come back and put on a show.

Announcer: Pretty
special evening.

First time two Japanese-born
pitchers starting against each

other on opening day in Major
League Baseball history.

Announcer: This is one of those
days that will stick in young

people's minds.

Announcer: Holy smoke!

A laser beam strike from Ichiro!

Sayonara!

Hideki Matsui!

Jason: Shohei Ohtani watched
Hideki Matsui playing in Major

League Baseball
when he was a kid.

And that maybe made him think,
"Oh, I can be there one day. ”

Announcer: The throw gets away.

It's into the camera well.

Jason: There was a kid in the
crowd who saw that and said,

"I want to be there. ”

Just like Otani saw Matsui and
said, "I want to do that. ”

"I can be on that field one day,

so now I want to play baseball
like Shohei Ohtani does. ”

Announcer: It's a base
hit for Shohei Ohtani.

Shohei trots into second.

It's a double.

Coach: For our team,

I think Osaka is the best
place to develop your strengths and mentality.

Facing up against opponents that
they think they can't beat...

I think it helps the
kids learn and improve

and it's a good experience.

Don't rush your swings.

Just take your time and
make solid contact.

One hit at a time.

Got it?
Players: Yeah.

Yasuko: To put it simply,
this is my reason for living.

Children have so much
to learn from us.

I think it's important for
people my age

to teach them all the
things that we've learnt.

Baseball hasn't really changed,
but the children have.

There's new ways that the
younger people think,

so we have to be flexible
with our thinking.

So, it's important to absorb
it all to teach the kids.

Coach: For them, if we
get a runner on base, it's basically over.

The moment there's a runner
on with no outs,

they're basically bracing
for a run.

So, now they're desperately
trying to hold us down.

They've been just holding out
and holding out this whole time.

But once we break through
and score, it all opens up.

Once the dam breaks, the
water flows out all at once.

They're doing everything
they can to hold it back, so we've got to overpower them.

Break through, and the
water will flood out.

Understand?
Players: Yeah.

Coach: Build a batting lineup
like that, okay? Players: Yeah.

Coach: Alright, go in
with confidence. Believe in yourselves.

Meghan: What's always been so
appealing is sports tend to

either be an individual thing,
if you're playing something like

tennis, golf, swimming,
versus team sports,

football, basketball.

And one of the great things
about baseball is you have

both components.

You have the team dynamic, and
then when you're in the batter's

box, it's you
versus the pitcher.

And there's so much attention
on the moments where the

individual can impact the
outcome in a way that is just

really unique.

Hironobou: The fact that
Japanese players have reached these heights is amazing I think

Wow, that's amazing.

Coach: I think it is very
important for players here to go to the U.S.

and experience
the MLB in the flesh.

Even if they don't play
themselves,

I believe more people will tune
in to watch baseball.

So I think its become a
great time for baseball.

Announcer: Roki Sasaki
makes his long-awaited

Major League Baseball debut.

Announcer: His homecoming
after pitching in Japan

as recently as last year.

Meghan: It was for
Japanese baseball fans.

It was for the country.

Announcer: Trying to see if
they can catch a glimpse.

A bright lights moment
for Shohei Ohtani.

Announcer: Shohei Ohtani!

Jason: Japanese players
can succeed anywhere,

can succeed in the U.S.

And I think that brought a lot
of pride to a lot of people

because it probably gave a lot
of people a lot of confidence,

even people who
weren't baseball fans.

It showed them that we can
compete on the world stage.

Announcer: It seems
like every year now,

there's a big prospect of a
really talented young player

coming out of Japan.

Coach: The thing
about this team is

it's more than just teaching
baseball techniques,

it's about using baseball
as a tool

to help these kids grow
as people.

Announcer: Muncy rips one
down the right field line.

Smith is on his way to third.

Into second base goes Muncy.

3-1 delivery, and Happ
swings and misses.

Jason: It's a rare chance
after the guy leaves

to see him come back
as an MVP star.

For a lot of people, that
is a chance to show their

appreciation, show their pride,
and just be happy that the

players come back.

Coach: All of these
kids on this team,

they'll become adults, work
and become part of society.

Announcer: And sent it the
other way, towards left center.

That is going to score
another run for the Cubs.

Kelly comes across, and
it's a 5-2 ballgame.

Coach: Eventually they'll
have their own family and their own kids.

And then raise those kids, it's
that cycle over and over again.

Announcer: He cracks a
fastball deep to the field.

In a relay, it is in time.

Almost breathlessly
awaiting for Shohei Ohtani.

Coach: So for that, using
baseball as a sport to prepare them for all of that.

We help them grow their heart
essentially, that's the whole point of this team.

Announcer: You know he
wants to do something big

in front of these fans.

A 2-2 pitch, and
he sends it deep.

Towards left center field,
back at the wall...

It is a home run.

It is the first for Ohtani.

Announcer: Back to the broadcast
booth, back to the booth.

And to all baseball fans
across the country,

here is Shohei Ohtani.

How do you feel
hearing this applause?

Shohei: I'm really happy we won,
and honestly just relieved I was able to get a hit.

Announcer: All eyes were on
you coming into this Tokyo Series,

with big expectations.

Including yourself, your team
hit three home runs today.

You lit up the Dome.
How did that feel?

Shohei: We didn't hit
any home runs yesterday.

So getting those powerful,
Major-League-style home runs today,

It felt like a great game.
I think it was amazing to watch, too.

Announcer: Alright,
Ohtani-san...

Could we get a final message
to your fans here in Japan?

Shohei: This has truly
been a great memory.

And I'd love it if I
could play games like this again here someday.

Please continue to support
me this year as well.

Announcer: Thank you,
we're really looking forward to your season.

That was Shohei Ohtani.

We got a hero interview
with Shohei Ohtani.

Today's broadcasters are Hiroki
Kuroda and Hirokazu Ibata.

Coach: When I start saying,
"That's no good. ”

The kids think, "Uh-oh,
today's gonna be rough. ”

So, saying stuff like
"Don't do this ” or "Don't do that ” just doesn't work.

Male: It doesn't?
Coach: I'll say it again:

Saying things like "Don't
do this ” or "Don't do that ” is actually not good.

That got a laugh.

So, I figured I'd
repeat it once more.

Female: No but seriously,
they need to think.

That's the problem.

Thinking is everything
in baseball.

You can't just swing
without a plan.

Female: Right? It's
all about perception.

Male: Exactly.

Female:
The mindset of each player in those moments.

Coach: Sure, baseball
needs technical skill, but it's mostly a mental game.

The real question is how the
players' mindset evolves.

So, we need to say things that
help shift

their mindset toward
attacking, toward scoring.

Yasuko: You've got to
think about everything you do

but they don't,
and that's frustrating.

Coach: We even created
tournaments where kids

who don't usually get to
play can take the field.

We want even the least skilled
kid in the grade to feel like,

"Hey, I got better ”
when they graduate.

Right. So, they feel
like they want to try again in middle school.

That's the most important thing.

If we forget that, just to
get stronger, then we become just another strong team,

and that's boring.

It's all about personal growth.

We want to raise kids who are
considerate,

who can understand others'
feelings and we use baseball to teach that.

If we can create a space where
everyone feels satisfied,

and then make it to Nationals...
That would be amazing.

Ochaban's policy was for
kids to be able to do everything on their own.

It's something I have
learnt and want to instill in my children too.

She's quite old so I
don't know how much longer she will continue.

So, with that, us, the
next generation...

We need to look at the
next generation

and keep the things that
she taught us alive.

Meghan: When you get exposed to
culture that's not around you

every day, it's, I think,
just really eye-opening that

something like baseball, where
people from different cultures

can enjoy it in different
ways, but still have that

same love for it.

Jason: The game and its
relationship with this country

is a way to give the
nation a lot of confidence

on a global scale.

Hironobou: Within Japan,

its really come to be
viewed as a special sport,

I really fell that the barriers
have been broken down.

Jason: Leaving Japan and going
and conquering the major

leagues, I think bittersweet
is a good word for it.

You've done all
you can do for us.

Now it's time for you to
do what you want to do,

achieve your dreams.

Kanato: I want to become a
professional baseball player,

become the home run king,
and then go on to the majors

and become a player who
can surpass Shohei Ohtani.

Tomohiro: It feels like
chances for children to pick up baseball are increasing.

I think that we're helping to
build

and connect a new future.

An even more promising future...

is awaiting Japanese
baseball, I believe.

Players: Thank you very much.